My question here whether the 3-4" extension of the buds into green branches indicate new root growth or am I crossing my fingers too tightly? I have no plan to work on this anytime soon(1-2 years maybe) but am excited about its response to collection so far. Thanks.

Hey,That's what I was thought but wasn't sure if it was just residual strength in the trunk and collected roots. It has only been potted now for about 3 weeks so Thus far I haven't really created any mental plans for its styling. I collected it because I liked the smooth curve on the trunk, and it was destined for death where it was. Currently a few small buds are beginning to show on the trunk, one of which is just less that half way up the trunk on the outside of the curve. Any ideas, suggestions, or if your really motivated maybe a virtual would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

A tree with not enough root will tend to stall in it’s bud growth after it has used all it’s stored energy then gradually fade away. The extending shoots suggest it has enough root and new roots are forming.

Me draw a Virtual? Christ I can barely draw a straight line! The good thing with hawthorns is that they bud back well after heavy cutting. My only concern is the lack of movement and taper to the trunk. What is the nebari like? Hopefully Mr Baddeley will point us in the right direction.

I can actually draw alright but don't have Photo shop to create a decent virtual. It has a pretty good beginning for the nebari that spreads just below the soil line into two thick roots and about 4-6 slightly smaller ones. This all going out toward the right hand side of the pot obviously. As far as the taper, at the soil it is around 2.5-3" and is slightly less than 1" at the top although it is hard to see in the picture. My thought is that with a sharp angle when I trunk chop to a new leader it will help to create more taper. Either of the two red lines below were thoughts. I am hoping over the next year or two it will tell me how it wants to be styled though.

The new extending growth there should mean your getting new root growth.

As for where to go with this tree its hard to see at this point. If you can get a bud down by that lower line I would probably grow that out as a new leader and then rotate the tree clockwise maybe thirty degrees or so. I wouldn't do to much to it this year unless your are absolutely sure its healthy and sending out lots of new growth.

Early days yet, just let it grow this year and see what it produces. With more branches comes more design options. Though I think a trunk chop is in order at a later date due to the lack of taper. A shorter trunk would produce a more powerful image.